Black Friday 2018 at Kohl's marked one of the most competitive shopping seasons in recent retail history, with doorbusters, layered discounts, and Kohl's Cash driving massive traffic. Shoppers who planned around weekly ads and store hours were able to score significant savings on electronics, apparel, and home goods.
Across checkout lines and online carts, the event set benchmarks for conversion and average order value, making it a useful case study for deal hunters and retail analysts alike. The following snapshot captures key dimensions of the Black Friday 2018 Kohl's performance and shopper experience.
| Metric | Black Friday 2018 | Black Friday 2017 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Sales Growth | +22.6% YoY | +18.4% YoY | Strong mobile traffic and app optimization contributed to growth |
| Top Categories | Small Kitchen, Audio, Activewear | Beauty, Home, Toys | Category performance varied by region and media spend |
| Average Order Value | $82 | $77 | Higher AOV driven by bundle offers and free shipping thresholds |
| Traffic Channels | Paid Search, Social, Email, In-Store | Email, Display, Instore | Paid search spikes on Black Friday morning both online and in-app |
| Kohl's Cash Utilization | High redemption post-Black Friday weekend | Moderate redemption | Shoppers strategically stacked Kohl's Cash with percent-off deals |
Black Friday 2018 Doorbuster Strategy
Timing and Store Traffic
Many locations opened at 6:00 AM or earlier, with some stores launching Black Friday ads on Thanksgiving evening. Early access for Kohl's app cardholders and Kohl's Rewards members created lines that moved quickly when high-demand items like televisions and gaming consoles were available.
Selection and Availability
Inventory varied by region, and popular items often sold out within hours both online and in-store. Shoppers who used in-store pickup and real-time inventory tools had a better chance of securing big-ticket doorbusters without waiting in long lines.
How Customers Stacked Savings
Layering Discounts
Savvy shoppers combined doorbuster prices with Kohl's Cash, percent-off coupons, and credit card discounts. Combining a doorbuster TV price with 15% off an app code and Kohl's Cash in a later visit delivered some of the best overall value of the season.
Coupon Sources
Email subscribers received early access to additional percent-off offers, while app push notifications highlighted limited-time deals throughout the day. Social media campaigns also drove flash sales that complemented the core Black Friday lineup.
Product Category Highlights
Home and Kitchen
Small appliance bundles, cookware sets, and premium coffee makers were among the most sought-after doorbusters. Price-matching with competitors on select models helped Kohl's remain competitive on high-value home items.
Audio and Entertainment
Soundbars, headphones, and smart speakers saw steep discounts, with several bundle offers that included extended protection plans. Early stock levels for popular audio brands were critical to capturing sales in this segment.
Apparel and Footwear
Coats, winter boots, and activewear were heavily promoted both online and in stores. Kohl's Fit Promise and easy return policies reduced the perceived risk for shoppers buying seasonal apparel at Black Friday prices.
Key Takeaways for Future Holiday Shopping
- Set alerts for weekly ad drops and doorbuster windows to avoid missing time-sensitive deals.
- Use Kohl's app for real-time inventory and to stack digital coupons with in-store offers.
- Plan categories in advance, focusing on high-value items where price matching and bundles matter most.
- Consider Kohl's Rewards and card offers, but factor in repayment timelines to avoid interest.
- Check return policies and price-match rules early, especially on high-ticket electronics and appliances.
FAQ
Reader questions
Were Kohl's stores open on Thanksgiving Day in 2018?
Many Kohl's locations were open on Thanksgiving evening with reduced hours, allowing shoppers to start holiday shopping early and access select doorbusters before Black Friday.
Did Kohl's offer price matching on Black Friday 2018?
Yes, Kohl's participated in price matching on Black Friday 2088 for identical items sold by local competitors, which made it easier to lock in the lowest price on electronics and major appliances.
Can I still use Kohl's Cash from Black Friday 2018?
Kohl's Cash from the 2018 Black Friday period has long expired, as Kohl's Cash typically remains valid for only a short window after issuance and does not roll over to the next year.
What payment methods were accepted for Black Friday 2018 purchases?
Kohl's accepted all major credit cards, Kohl's Charge cards, Kohl's Cash, and gift cards. Some digital wallets and mobile payment options were available, depending on the device and store support at the time.